forecastle

noun

fore·​cas·​tle ˈfōk-səl How to pronounce forecastle (audio)
ˈfȯr-ˌka-səl
variants or fo'c'sle
ˈfōk-səl How to pronounce forecastle (audio)
1
: the forward part of the upper deck of a ship
2
: the crew's quarters usually in a ship's bow

Examples of forecastle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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She was hit by several bombs, one of which penetrated her forecastle and detonated her forward ammunition magazines, the Naval History and Heritage Command said. — Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 5 Dec. 2024 Meanwhile, the decks in the forecastle (front to landlubbers) went from vertical to horizontal as the oddity became a floating laboratory. — David Szondy, New Atlas, 12 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of forecastle was in the 15th century

Rhymes for forecastle

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forecastle
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“Forecastle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forecastle. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

forecastle

noun
fore·​cas·​tle ˈfōk-səl How to pronounce forecastle (audio)
ˈfōr-ˌkas-əl,
ˈfȯr-
variants or fo'c'sle
ˈfōk-səl
1
: the forward part of the upper deck of a ship
2
: the living area for the crew in the front part of a ship

More from Merriam-Webster on forecastle

Nglish: Translation of forecastle for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about forecastle

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